Statement Game

One game by no means infers my last post has aged well. Far more time is needed on that, but for the most part the Bills look strong. Not perfect, and definitely there’s room for improvement, but they still looked strong.

At one point I tweeted that the only thing that had stopped the Bills was their own self-inflicted wounds with turnovers. For the most part they were able to keep those in check, and when I say in check I’m referring to the defense; even more specifically I’m referring to Von Miller.

That signing of Miller is going to be huge. It fills the gap, that most of us agree has been wide open for decades, of a serious pass rush. The Bills have had this notable missing element for a long time, and although they’ve tried to address it the fact is the problem has persisted. We know the Bills will score points. We know Josh Allen will run, but it is the defense that is the main reason why they are so heavily favored by many in the media to win it all this year. Stafford was sacked 7 times. That is the true statement of the night.

As defending champs the Rams did not look good. For most of the night they looked overwhelmed by the defense, and that is the difference between today versus years past. The Rams simply fed on table scraps — the turnovers Buffalo did give them. In the first half and then the fumble late in the game. Without those it doubtful the Rams would have scored 10 points.

So now the Bills come home to host the Titans on Monday night in Week 2. A team, historically anyway, they have had their issues with in spite of either teams’ record. So already, early on in this season, that week 2 against Tennessee is already another statement game.

You can’t decide anything after one game, but for a team with great expectations tonight was at the very least, a good beginning.